Today saw a major escalation in the ongoing Iran–Israel conflict:
🔥 What happened June 16–17, 2025
Iran launched another wave of hundreds of missiles and drones toward Israel, triggering air-raid sirens nationwide. While Israel’s Iron Dome intercepted most, several got through, resulting in at least 24 killed and hundreds injured in cities like Tel Aviv and Haifa .
In retaliation, Israel carried out intense airstrikes on Tehran and other Iranian targets. This included:
A precision strike on Iranian state television during a live broadcast, halting the program as the studio filled with dust and debris .
The destruction of two Iranian F‑14 Tomcat jets and several missile launchers .
Hits on key military and nuclear facilities — reportedly around 120 missile launchers (about one-third of Iran’s total) and Quds Force command centres .
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📉 Human and strategic toll
Casualties: Over 224 killed in Iran, including military and some civilians, and at least 24 in Israel .
Civilian impact: Hundreds of thousands in Tehran were warned or evacuated; one strike disrupted live TV. In Israel, normal life has been oddly interrupted — from travel bans to sports events halted .
Military advantage: Israel claims “full aerial superiority” over Tehran’s skies; Iran vows further waves of attacks .
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🕊 International response & next steps
G7 summit: Leaders are focused on de-escalation. U.S. (Trump) and France (Macron) reportedly favoured a ceasefire offer, while Trump urged Tehran evacuation .
Regional tensions: Airspace remains closed; many global organizations have begun rerouting or pausing operations. There's mounting fear of broader regional conflict.
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🧭 Bottom line
The fighting has intensified significantly—massive missile and drone barrages, major Israeli airstrikes, and a sharp rise in civilian tolls on both sides. With both nations claiming military gains, the conflict may well continue its dangerous spiral unless major diplomatic intervention steps in.